Grier, in his second-annual State of the Schools speech, said slowing down academic reforms — when less than 20 percent of the district's students are deemed ready for college - would be "morally unacceptable" and "economically irresponsible."

"We must understand that the challenge ahead of us is monumental," Grier said, noting looming cuts in state funding. "And, yes, we may have to do more with less, but frankly we can't demand a no-excuses attitude from our students if we adults aren't willing to embrace that philosophy as well."

Grier, who has focused heavily on low-performing schools in his first 18 months on the job, said the entire district needs a more challenging, engaging curriculum that goes beyond Texas' requirements and reflects national and international standards.

Grier plans to focus first on developing a literacy curriculum to replace the district's "patchwork of disjointed reading programs." He often cites test data showing that 70,000 students, of more than 200,000 in the district, read below grade level.

"We don't want to take away any flexibility and creativity from our outstanding teachers," Grier said, adding that high-performing schools could be exempt. "But when we don't define what students should know and when they should know it, quite frankly there's little chance of it happening on its own."

Offer 10 AP courses

Under a recent plan, Grier said, every high school should be able to offer at least 10 college-level Advanced Placement courses if they don't already. Many colleges award course credit to students who get high scores on related AP exams.

Seniors at some select high schools also will be able to earn an associate's degree through online courses with Houston and Lone Star community colleges, Grier said. He did not mention the cost of the AP expansion or the associate's program.

The district already has four high schools, on or near HCC campuses, where students can work toward an associate's degree.

Grier also spoke generally about his suggestions for revamping the specialty magnet school program. In coming weeks, he said, he would recommend that the school board "continue to strongly support the district's outstanding magnet programs" and create "several new innovative magnet programs."

"And as hard as it may be for some," Grier added, "I also plan to recommend that we remove magnet status from some schools that aren't attracting students, that may lack adequate space or frankly are not meeting our academic standards and expectations."

"It's an honor to be here," Martinez said, adding that she's seen a greater emphasis on going to college at her school this year. "Every teacher tells you, 'If you need help, come after school, come during lunch.' They really care."

'He gets it'

Stephen Klineberg, a professor of sociology at Rice University who studies demographics, observed that Grier "said all the right things" about preparing the district's students - mostly low-income minorities - for college and today's jobs.

"You worry a little bit about bringing everyone along," Klineberg said, noting Grier has battled with teachers, parents and some members of the school board over his hasty decisions. "But he gets it. He understands there's not a moment to lose."